The 7 Types of Angle Grinder Discs and Their Various Uses

The angle grinder is one of the most versatile power tools that any tradesman can have in their toolkit. The reason for this is because an angle grinder has a variety of different grinder discs which can be swapped out, depending on the task at hand. You see, mastering the angle grinder can take quite some practice, given how many different gradients and sizes there are (not to mention technique). However, by the end of this article, you should have a much clearer idea as to what the seven different types of angle grinder discs are, and what they can be used for. Let&#;s get started!  

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1 &#; Grinding wheel (angle grinder disc)

What is a grinding wheel?

• First, we&#;ll start with the obvious choice; the grinding wheel. These are disc-shaped and tend to feature a ribbed edge that is suitable for grinding rough metal edges with rapid succession.
• Grinding discs are most often used for all kinds of fabrication jobs that require a fresh and smooth finish.
• You can also use a grinding wheel to smooth out a fresh weld.
• Just remember that when working with this type of angle grinder disc, you should A. take the necessary safety precautions, and B. use the appropriate PPE.
• Do not touch your grinding wheel after use (they generate a lot of heat) &#; the ceramic grinding wheel is a suitable alternative.

2 &#; Cut-off wheel (angle grinder disc)

What is a cut-off wheel?

• Angle grinders can also be used to cut into metal stock, using a cut-off wheel.
• Cut-off wheel discs tend to have a thin profile with a tapered edge that makes them suitable for slicing into metal (plate metal, rebar, bolts, and so on).
• Thinner cut-off wheels can become unstable so make sure that you use a thicker cut-off wheel when going after stronger metals.

3 &#; Flap disc (angle grinder disc)

What is a flap disc?

• Flap discs are used on jobs that require the user to handle the metal in question. Think of them as fine sandpaper, but for rougher metals.
• Flap discs are used for removing metal burrs, sharp corners, and provide enhanced precision.
• Certain flap discs can be used for buffing out scratches as well&#;ideal for renovating metal.

4 &#; Wire wheel (angle grinder discs)

What is a wire wheel?

• Wire wheels can be used for tasks such as removing rust or paint (and other adhesives) from metal surfaces and rendering them ready for work.
• The metal wire fibres are either straight or intertwined, maximising their abrasive quality.
• Wire wheels do vary significantly in quality. As such, you should always avoid cheap wire wheels that are likely to degrade quickly (flying wires are a nuisance).
• Again, always wear PPE, as wire wheels can be very dangerous after extended use.

5 &#; Diamond disc (angle grinder disc)

What is a diamond disc?

• A diamond disc can come in several different forms; however, most are designed for cutting.
• Diamond discs provide excellent cutting for extra-dense metals.
• Diamond discs have a layer of abrasive diamond shards, making them excellent for blitzing through various tasks.
• Diamond discs can be expensive and thus should be reserved for the priority jobs where speed and precision is a must.

6 &#; Strip disc (angle grinder disc)

What is a strip disc?

• Where a wire wheel disc can be used to remove paint and rust efficiently, they can often scratch the underlying metal if not careful. As such, having a strip disc in your toolkit is handy for when the more delicate tasks present themselves.
• A poly-fiber material is used on strip discs for gently removing paint, epoxy, and glue etc. from metal surfaces.
• If working with wood or fibreglass, a strip disc is far more appropriate than a wire wheel.

7 &#; Ceramic sanding disc (angle grinder disc)

What is a ceramic sanding disc?

• Ceramic sanding discs are the least commonly used, even though they have an extended life compared to their counterpart discs.
• A ceramic sanding disc can do just about all of the tasks that a flap disc can.
• A great benefit of using ceramic is the fact that they do not overheat.
• Some high-quality ceramic sanding disks can provide a higher sanding capacity, coupled with superior durability.

Why buy an angle grinder?

So, is it worth buying an angle grinder? The short answer is yes. They&#;re one of the most versatile power tools that can replace many others in certain tasks, with the right disc attachment. This allows you to get through the more laborious tasks, faster. In addition to that, angle grinders are rather easy to control (especially for newbies)&#;so long as the correct safety precautions are taken into account, and PPE is worn at all times. If you are planning a project and expect to be working with various metals, then an angle grinder is the ideal fabricating power tool that can help you make light work of it.  

Conclusion

Again, angle grinders are versatile multi-purpose tools that can be used by both professional fabricators and amateurs alike. However, before getting stuck in and using yours, just make sure that you are using the appropriate angle grinder disc. Here&#;s a quick summary:

• Grinding wheel: Smoothing rough edges
• Cut-off wheel: Slicing into metal
• Flap disc: Smoothing rough surfaces for safe handling
• Wire wheel: Removing rust and paint (and other adhesives)
• Diamond disc: Cutting (with greater precision and efficiency)
• Strip disc: A less-invasive disc for removing rust and paint
• Ceramic sanding disc: Smoothing rough surfaces (without overheating)

We hope that you have found this article helpful. Now, you should be able to invest in several different angle grinder discs, preparing you for all manner of metal-working tasks. Good luck and stay safe!

Angle grinders, also known as disc grinders or side grinders, are hand-held machines that are used to cut, polish, and grind metals and other hard materials. Angle grinders are capable of slicing through concrete. As a result, it is both a strong and dangerous tool in the metalworking world.

Angle grinders can cause terrible bodily damage to their operators and others around them due to their power. As a result, knowing angle grinder safety guidelines is critical if you want to get the most out of your power tool without injuring yourself. Here are some pointers for getting the most out of your angle grinder.

Top 10 Angle Grinder Safety Tips

1.   Wearing Protective Gear

Wearing correct safety gear before using angle grinders is the first and most important safety precaution. A full-face mask, hand gloves, eye and hearing protection, suitable attire, natural fiber clothing, and apron, if needed, are all forms of protective gear. Avoid wearing loose clothing and tying long hair.

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2.

 

Check For Damages

Before using, inspect the damages. Accidental drops are unavoidable. It's possible that you didn't do it yourself and that it was done by someone else. You can inspect the attachment to check whether it has been damaged or if the grinder is unsafe to use. Whether you're dealing with a worn or new wheel, always inspect the blade first. Cutting discs may be damaged during delivery or dropped while being kept by accident. Check for chips, cracks, and other damage before using the disc to ensure that it functions to its maximum ability and keeps you and others safe.

3.

 

Grinder Warm-Up And Inspection

Allow at least one minute for the angle grinder to run with the attachment attached before using it, whether you're picking it up for the first time, returning from a break, or taking it from another worker. This allows the machine to warm up and reach full speed, as well as allowing you the opportunity to feel, hear, or see if the grinder is in good operating order.

4.

 

Avoid Working In Flammable Areas

Angle grinders should never be used near anything that can catch fire. When using an angle grinder, any items that can readily catch fire, such as aerosol or gas cans, or an oily rag, should be avoided. Angle grinders, especially when working with metals, can generate a lot of sparks. If the sparks land on combustible materials nearby, it will create a terrible fire. As a result, it's advisable to take precautions and store flammables at a safe distance.

5.

 

Start Slow

While using your grinding wheel, it's vital to set the speed. As a general rule, begin slowly and gradually raise the speed until you are satisfied. Different operating speeds are required by different grinding blades. Consult your vendor if you're unsure about the appropriate speed for your grinder-blade combination.

6.

 

Avoid Customizing Your Tool

Some people wish to personalize their angle grinder, however, this is not recommended. Before personalizing the tool, make sure to ask the manufacturer so that they can tell you what works and what doesn't. Make sure you only use the attachments that came with the grinders. If you still want to change your tool, read the manual or contact the manufacturer, otherwise, you risk harming yourself and others.

7.

 

Properly Tighten The Discs

A unique pin wrench should have come with your angle grinder. This wrench is used to tighten and loosen angle grinder grinding discs. If you lose your wrench, they have an adjustable spanner nut wrench that fits any angle grinder size and is built specifically for this. Always use the wrench to ensure a tight fit when tightening the wheel or disc. Many individuals tighten their wheels by hand, which might be harmful when they are in use. There's no need to make it very tight; just snug enough that you couldn't do it by hand.

8.

 

Selecting The Proper Wheel Size

Choosing the correct grinding wheel for the job is crucial. Using the incorrect blade for your power tool can harm both the blade and the grinder, putting your safety at risk. Before selecting the type of wheel, determine the size you require. The discs normally measure between 4.5 to 9 inches in diameter. Smaller wheels are suitable for non-industrial applications, whereas larger wheels are designed for heavy-duty industrial applications. Examine the material of your project carefully before selecting the appropriate angle grinder disc.

9.

 

Operating Grinder With Two Hands

Keeping perfect control of the grinder at all times is one of the most crucial safety considerations. It's vital to keep both hands on the power tool in the correct positions at all times. You have a lot more control and leverage with two hands on the machine. Always keep one hand on the handle and the other on the rear of the grinder.

10.

 

Adjust The Rpms To The Wheel Allowance

RPMs are another crucial feature of your angle grinder. The maximum suggested RPM for each grinding disc, wire wheel, and other abrasive should be specified on the abrasive's face, packaging, and product description. Never use an abrasive tool with a lower recommended RPM than what your angle grinder can handle.

The abrasive discs are only designed to work at the speeds specified. When you utilize the discs at greater speeds, you risk damaging them by applying more force/pressure than the disc can safely take.

Conclusion

Angle grinders with high power can cause significant mishaps that can injure you and others. As a result, keeping both others and yourself safe when using power tools should be your primary responsibility. This can be accomplished by following angle grinder safety advice.

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